Ren to Learn: Courses for Chinese Migrant Workers

ENG-SCI 22 Design Survivor: Experiential Lessons in Designing for Desirability

Design Prompt: To create a behavior-changing platform for a group of nontraditional users

Timeline: 1 week

Collaborator: Alice Yang

Problems At Hand:

Agricultural jobs have been declining for years in China due to increases in productivity. At the same time, the dynamic urban economy has generated great demands for labor. According to the World Bank, an estimated 250 million Chinese have left the countryside and migrated to cities in recent years and the number is expected to surpass 300 million by 2025. However, due to a lack of business and language skills, migrant workers often fill the most menial and low paying jobs in cities. Most migrant workers have moved to Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and other large coastal cities.

Targeted Approach:

Ren to Learn is a free online school where Chinese migrant workers can learn essential skills and connect with each other for better future opportunities. The courses are taught by volunteer university students and available online via popular social media platforms. To reach the most number of migrant workers, Ren to Learn can pilot in Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen.

Features & Logistics:

Personalized learning: Ren to Learn uses survey to understand individual needs and suggests courses based on current skill set and career interests
Program length: most courses are short term, typically 3 - 4 months and concludes with a final project or exam
Social media platforms: Ren to Learn uses popular Chinese social media platforms to connect migrant workers and provide useful information that does not require extensive internet data or robust wifi connection.
University student partners: Ren to Learn recruits local university students to be volunteer instructors and provides a space for students to apply their knowledge in teaching.
Corporate partners: based on requests from local companies, Ren to Learn can provide on-the-job training. After training, workers have the ability to be promoted to a better position within the company.

Program Offerings:

Vocational Training: skill development is key to climbing the career ladder and Ren to Learn provides vocational trainings. Students are put in touch with mentors who check in periodically. Courses are offered in sectors of greatest need.
Business Courses: Ren to Learn provides business courses in accounting and entrepreneurship. After training, migrant workers can choose a financial career or to start their own businesses back home.
Networking: one night a week, students in the course are given the opportunity to meet up locally. Ren to Learn offers a social platform for migrant workers to connect in-person. It also arranges cultural events and celebrations for workers who share hometown traditions.

Future Explorations:

Ren to Learn could be expanded to other cities and countries after successful pilots.